Spring could be a sign of new life, a new creation or a start of allergy symptoms. Whatever it may be for you, it’s time for the spring issue of my newsletter.

In Kyoto, Japan, a colorful festival initiates the passage to spring with Miyako Odori or "cherry dance" performed by the geisha women wearing their exquisite traditional kimonos. Everywhere the sakura or cherry blossoms adorn the walkways, the temples, and shrines. Thanks to Saori Kawano, founder of Korin Corporation for inviting me to photograph her trip featuring the art of Japanese food. The Japanese chefs regard their sushi with such pride and respect. Only the freshest fish cut with specialty knives can be served, and graced with aesthetically sliced vegetables. In between visits of food factories, there was time for retreat and meditation in Koyasan, where temples, shrines, and towers create refuge for solitude-seekers. If you happen to visit Koyasan, try Goma-tofu, which is cooked with sesame seeds and starch.

A detour to China was in my agenda. I always wanted to visit Zhouzhuang, a town bisected by rivers and connected by arch-shaped bridges. While sightseeing on a long-tailed boat along these ancient waterways, one can revel in the architecture of the preserved residences dating from 900 years, and one can get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the townspeople. At every corner of the bend, there is a treasure to behold.

While I was climbing the man-made steps to one of the jagged peaks of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), the words of Alain de Botton ("The Art of Travel") about sublime landscapes perfectly describe my emotions. "The mountains and valleys spontaneously suggest that the planet was built by something other than our own hands, by a force greater than we could gather, long before we were born, and set to continue long after our extinction…" The sharp peaks, like swords that pierce up to the heavens, are enshrouded by mist and fog, and left me with a feeling of transcendence. Sturdy pines of varied shapes shoot out of rock crevices to animate the cliffs and precipices. A "sea of clouds" envelops the peaks like waves that traverse over little islands. This is the enchantment of the Huangshan Mountain. I recommend this trek for the adventurous soul.

I am very pleased with the outcome of the photographs of these extraordinary sights. Check them out when you come to the art shows. You can also view the pictures at my website (mc-images.com). Kean Tat, my web designer, has done an excellent job in creating and updating the website.

Sayonara! Thank you for taking time to read about my travels.